Christmas by Starlight

The film opens with Annie Park, a lawyer specializing in adoption, successfully finalizing a case in Illinois. Her joy is short-lived when her parents, Gene and Pat, reveal that the Starlight Cafe—a neighborhood staple where Annie was raised—is being forced to close because Holt Enterprises refuses to renew their lease. Determined to fight back, Annie confronts William Holt, the playboy heir to the company. Will is currently under fire from his father, Jim Holt, who threatens to sell the company unless Will shows leadership and avoids further legal blunders. Mistaking Annie for a job candidate, Will proposes a 'fake job' arrangement: Annie must shadow him and act as his lawyer to impress his father until Christmas, and in return, he will save the cafe. Annie reluctantly agrees to the charade. Their first challenge arises when the Society for Preservation of Historical Landmarks threatens a lawsuit over a 400-year-old bonsai tree destroyed by a Holt construction project. Annie saves the meeting by impulsively promising that Holt Enterprises will host a massive Christmas fundraiser gala for the society. Jim Holt is impressed but puts Will in charge of the event to test him. As Annie and Will plan the 'Magic of Christmas' gala, they spend significant time together, bonding over ice cream at a toy store and a late-night skating session at a rink Will owns. Annie shares her history as an adoptee and her deep emotional connection to the cafe, while Will reveals his insecurities regarding his father's rigid expectations. However, the relationship hits a breaking point when Annie attends a party with Will and discovers from a business associate that the cafe's demolition is still scheduled for January. Feeling betrayed and used, Annie quits the arrangement and returns to her family, believing Will never intended to keep his word. Will, spurred by his assistant Lyle and his growing feelings for Annie, finally stands up to his father. He files a petition for the cafe to receive a historical designation, effectively blocking the demolition. At the gala, Will publicly admits his mistakes and declares his commitment to community over profit. The film concludes with the cafe being saved, Will being named the future head of the company with Lyle as his COO, and Will presenting Annie with a repaired version of her cherished childhood snow globe before they share a romantic moment.